When you are entering a school zone, you will see a school zone sign. The sign will tell you the:
- reduced speed limit
- times when this limit is in place
- in some locations, may incorporate alternating flashing lights and red circle to indicate the zone is operational.
What is a flashing school zone sign?
A flashing school zone sign consists of a standard school zone sign that incorporates a flashing red circle and twin alternate flashing yellow lights mounted above the 'school zone' plate. The red circle and twin yellow lights flash during the operation of the school zone. These signs are intended to draw motorists' attention to the hours of operation of the school zone and to signal to motorists to slow down to the posted speed during those hours of operation.
School zone speed
The following speed limits apply in school zones:
- 40km/h on roads where the normal speed limit is 50/60/70km/h
- 60km/h on roads where the normal speed limit is 80km/h or above.
The most common school zone speed limit is 40km/h.
School zone times
The school zone times for each school are listed on the school zone sign. Generally, the standard times that most school zones apply in Queensland are 7–9am and 2–4pm.
If you are entering a school zone that operates outside of the standard times, you will see the flashing light school sign in operation. An example of this may be that a school has a split campus and pupils may need to cross the road to access each campus, so their school zone operates all day (7am-4pm).
State schools and independent schools such as private education institutions, can have different school terms. More than one school can share a school zone and each school may have different days where school is in session.
Check the school zone speed limit signs near you, or if you are unsure if it is a school day, you should slow down to the speed limit displayed on the school zone sign.